FILE - In this Nov. 22, 2014, file photo, FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, right, celebrates with his teammate Neymar, from Brazil, after scoring against Sevilla during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla, at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Messi set a La Liga scoring record of 253 goals when he claimed a hat-trick in Saturday's match at the Camp Nou stadium against Sevilla. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)
(The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, file photo FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, from Argentina, is lifted by his teammates after scoring against Sevilla during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla, at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Messi set a La Liga scoring record of 253 goals when he claimed a hat-trick in Saturday's match at the Camp Nou stadium against Sevilla. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)
(The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 file photo, a man walks in the grounds of 'La Masia' football academy in Barcelona, Spain. The Court of Arbitration for Sport on Tuesday Dec. 30, 2014 dismissed Barcelona's appeal and upheld the transfer ban FIFA imposed on the club for infringing regulations on registering minors as youth players. CAS said in a statement that “Barcelona had breached the rules regarding the protection of minors and the registration of minors attending football academies.” The ruling means Barcelona will be barred from signing any players in 2015. Barcelona is renowned for training and educating young players such as Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta at it's La Masia academy, in the hope they develop the talent to graduate to the senior team. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)
(The Associated Press)

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has dismissed Barcelona's appeal and upheld the transfer ban FIFA imposed on the club for infringing regulations on registering minors as youth players.

CAS says Tuesday that Barcelona "breached the rules" governing the protection of minors and the registration of those attending football academies.

The ruling means Barcelona won't be allowed to sign players during the next two transfer windows, although it can renew contracts and recall players ceded to other clubs, such as Denis Suarez and Gerard Deulofeu, both at Sevilla.

Barcelona said in a statement it totally disagreed with the ruling and considered the sanction "completely disproportionate."

The club said it was evaluating legal options, including appealing the decision to the Swiss Federal Court.